Gamigaya and Goy-gol Historical-Cultural and Natural Complex

The Historical, Cultural and Natural Complex of Gamigaya, proposed for inclusion in the Tentative List, has concentrated all the elements and characteristic features of the surrounding historical, cultural and natural landscape. Gamigaya is the legendary name of one of the highest peaks of the Lesser Caucasus (Mount Gapydzhyg at an altitude of 3906 meters above sea level) and is located in the southwestern part of Azerbaijan in the Ordubad region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. According to the oral folklore of local residents, the remains of Noah's Ark have been preserved in the Ayy Chukhuru area of Gamigaya. This is where the name Gamigaya (rock-ship) comes from. The complex of rock art monuments of Gamigaya is concentrated to the northeast of the villages of Tivi and Nesirvaz on yaylags (summer pastures). Back in the Tertiary period, the top of the mountain, consisting of metamorphosed tuffs, collapsed. As a result of a natural geological process, large rocky boulders have scattered along the southern and southwestern slopes, where springs gush out in numerous mountain hollows. Over the past millennia, their surface has been polished to a mirror shine by landslides and glaciers, and ancient artists have left thousands of petroglyphs on these rocks. These places with their spreading alpine meadows were the main hunting grounds for the ancient inhabitants of Azerbaijan. [1, p.33-36].

The Gamigaya rock carvings are located on the southern and western slopes of the Gapydzhik peak, located at an altitude of 3907 m above sea level, in the pastures of Garangush, Nazaga, Nabiyurdu, Gyzgyalin chukhuru, Geller (Geygol), Gamigaya, and Dzhamysholen.

The main area with petroglyphs is located at an altitude of about 3700 m above sea level in the Garangush pasture. The images on the rocks are small, schematic and silhouette, made using the rubbing and engraving technique. The territory where the petroglyphs are located has a rather complex topographic relief. Deep gorges sometimes end in small slopes. The petroglyphs are located in groups, mainly near water sources. In the north-eastern part of the Deli-Bulag spring, there are 5-6 groups of petroglyphs scattered in the area. Although outside the groups, there are also individual stones with images. The number of petroglyphs decreases with distance from the water sources. During archaeological research, archaeologists discovered four oval-shaped structures near the petroglyphs, 5 to 12 m in diameter, made of large stone blocks. In some buildings, the width of the walls is 0.9-1 m, and the height is 1 m [1, 34-35]. They are similar to the dwellings of the Eneolithic and Bronze Ages.

The first news about the rock engravings on Gamigaya appeared in the scientific community in 1968. Their comprehensive research began in 1970. Images of people, goats, aurochs, bulls and deer were recorded on the rocks. In the same year, the Nakhchivan Archaeological Expedition of the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan conducted research on Mount Gamigaya. As a result, hundreds of rock engravings were discovered and recorded. In 1971, data on the petroglyphs discovered in Nakhchivan- in the Ordubad region north of the village of Tivi, on the high-mountain yaylags of Nebi-Yurdu and Gizgelin-chukhuru, were published [2,393]. More detailed information about new rock images of Nakhchivan appears in 1972 [3, 6-10] and in the 90s of the 20th century. In 1990, V. Aliyev described drawings on 120 stones in his scientific work "Rock Paintings of Gamigaya". In 1992, new information had appeared about new rock images discovered in Gamigaya. The drawings are realistic and schematic. In 2001-2003, the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan organized expeditions for a more extensive study of Nakhchivan petroglyphs. As a result of the research, more than 1,500 rock images were registered and taken into account [4, 316]. Currently, 2,040 stones with 7,422 petroglyphs have been registered and taken into account in Gamigaya. In addition, settlements, burial grounds, and fragments of ceramic vessels discovered in the Gamigaya area, provided grounds to date the petroglyphs in the chronological range from the end of the 4th millennium BC to the beginning of the 1st millennium BC inclusively [5, 166]. People, goats, aurochs, bulls, and deer are depicted on the rocks. A striking example of semi-nomadic subjects can be the images of harnessed bulls on the rocks. The most typical example of carts is presented on stones No. 76 and No. 77, where a pair of animals lying with their backs to each other are depicted, not detailed in profile.

Along their backs there is a long strip, apparently depicting a shaft. Behind them are two circles - wheels without spokes. The wheels are connected by a short strip - an axle. Another version is a cart harnessed by one animal. Basically, the images are dominated by a semi-nomadic cult-magic theme.

Zoomorphic sculptures of the Eneolithic and Early Bronze Ages, which give some idea of the spiritual culture of the ancient tribes of Azerbaijan were discovered in the territory of Nakhchivan. It should be noted that in the manufacture of statuettes, preference was given to bull figurines. In the Eneolithic and Bronze Ages, bulls were of great importance in the farms of Azerbaijan, and in this regard, the cult of the bull was given greater preference than the cults of other animals. According to some researchers, this cult was associated with the male deity-patron of cattle breeding. This is also confirmed by the finds from Shortepe and Kultepe - portable hearth stands made in the form of a bull's head [6, 314 p.], a separate bull's head among the monuments of the Bronze and Iron Ages [7, p. 260]. We know of bull figurines from this period from finds in the Baba-Dervish settlement in the Gazakh region of Azerbaijan and in the Serzhenyurt settlement on Russia Federation [6, - 91 - 314 p.]. Images of leopards attacking bezoar goats on Gamigaya deserve special attention and are among the most interesting subjects.

At present, the rock images and landscape are in a satisfactory state of preservation. For almost 50 years, employees of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography have been conducting a comprehensive study of the Gamigaya archaeological complex, which in turn has led to an increase in the number of petroglyphs discovered. Presidium of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Azerbaijan decided to conduct scientific research on Gamigaya, publish a scientific album and create a popular science film in 1971. Relevant scientific materials were published based on the research conducted on Gamigaya in 1970 -1987.

New stage of studying this monument has begun since 2001. New scientific expeditions were organized. Archaeological monument of Gamigaya, located in the northeast of the village of Nasirvaz in the Ordubad region, was included in the list of monuments of world significance under Inv. No. 38 on August 2, 2001, by the Decree 132 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Supreme Council of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic had adopted a decree "On conducting research on the Gamigaya monument in the Ordubad region" on April 26, 2001.

In pursuance of these documents, several scientific conferences and symposia were held, dozens of books and scientific articles were published. Currently, scientific research activities in this direction continue. The logistics of access to the monument have been improved, a more accessible and shorter road to Gamigaya has been built (through the villages of Bist and Nesirvaz), steep climbs in the roads have been reduced to a minimum, and measures have been taken to protect the monuments (a guard post has been erected). In addition, work has been carried out on the general improvement of the infrastructure.

An international expedition to Gamigaya was conducted from July 17 to 20, 2005. Also, an International Symposium was held in Nakhchivan and in the Garangush yaylagh on Gamigaya from July 20 to 24, 2011.

Territory of the north-eastern part of the village of Nasirvaz in the Ordubad region was declared the "Gamigaya Historical and Artistic Reserve" on August 6, 2002, by order No. 259 of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In pursuance of this order, the "Gamigaya" Historical and Artistic Reserve was established on May 5, 2006, in accordance with the decision No. 39 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. New research work has been launched in this area since 2002. As a result, new ethnographic and folklore materials were collected, which enriched the museum's collections. In accordance with the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic No. 78 dated 08.09.2006, 40.42 hectares of land were allocated to the reserve (31.7 hectares from the Zangezur National Park and 8.72 hectares from the Nasirvaz Municipality). New museum building was built and put into operation on the territory of the reserve in 2013.

Currently, the museum's storage facilities contain more than 200 exhibits. The museum exhibits individual stones with the Gyamigaya petroglyphs, photographs of rock images, materials from archaeological research and scientific symposiums. The Gyamigaya expedition was organized to study in detail the distribution areas, quantity, technique of execution and other aspects of rock images in August 2016. The staff of the State Historical and Artistic Reserve systematically and consistently studies and registers newly discovered rock paintings covering various areas from the northwestern slope of the Gapijyg peak, such as Neftli, Lower and Upper Bakadar, to the west of Gyamigaya, Garangush, the southwestern region of Nebi and Nazaga, and the southern part of the Gapijyg slope, including an area called Gyz-gelin chukhuru.

It should be noted that the cultural and natural landscape of Gamigaya lives thanks to the preserved traditions and customs, but at the same time adapts to modern conditions and requirements. The mountains and springs in this area were sacred to ancient people. There are many monuments, including the Bibgetl sanctuary, which locals still visit today in the vicinity of Gamigaya, in addition to rock images. In addition, many myths and legends exist in these places. Studies of rock art suggest its connection with the cult of mountains and stones. In places such as Gobustan, Gamigaya in Nakhchivan, Delidag and Murovdag in the Kalbajar region, ancient artists left engrawings on rocks high in the mountains. These images were visible from a far and attracted attention with their size and beauty. The cult of mountains and stones, rooted in the distant past, has retained its significance in many regions of Azerbaijan, such as Shahbuzdag in Nakhchivan, Beshbarmag in the Khizi region, Jingirdag (formerly called Jingir Baba) in Gobustan, Hazrat Baba in the Guba region, Askhab-Kaf and Gamigaya in the Ordubad region of Nakhchivan [7,254].

The rock images depict dance scenes, scenes of archers hunting deer, images of goats and spirals. The anthropomorphic figures reminiscent of the national dance "yalli" are especially noteworthy. In the Azerbaijani language, the word "yal" is also used to denote mountains, hills and mountain ranges. The concept of "yalli" comes from this meaning. The performers of the "yalli" dance, holding hands, resemble a mountain range standing nearby [8].

During this period, cult ideas about mountains and mountain spirits, which were considered responsible for the fertility of the fields, were also formed. Mountains were perceived as a place of accumulation of moisture, dwelling of deities and close to heaven [9]. The toponymal «Qapıcıq» (Gapydzhik, 3906 m, Lesser Caucasus) is associated with the legend of Gamigaya. According to the legend, the ark of the righteous Noah after a long sea voyage touched and split a large rock in two under the water. Subsequently, the mountain became known as «Haça Dağ» (Broken Mountain). Then Noah saw land where a part of land in the shape of a door was visible. Noah moored at this place, and the name «Qapıcıq» (Gapydzhik) became associated with the concept of «door» (in Azerbaijani «gapy»). According to the legend, Noah released a swallow (in Azerbaijani — «garangush») from the ark to determine the presence of land, and the swallow became a harbinger of the land. At one of the highest points of Gamigaya, at an altitude of about 3,700 meters, is the Garangush ("Swallow") yaylag, where most of the rock images have been preserved, including an image of a swallow bird, after which the summer pasture is named [10]. The petroglyphs date back to the Early and Middle Bronze Age.

Customs and traditions remain closely connected with the landscape of this place. The territory with petroglyphs is rich in vegetation consisting of rare species of medicinal herbs. Every year in the summer - in July, local residents and pilgrims come to the Bibgetl sanctuary spend the night here and wash themselves with morning dew from the herbs, then spray water around. Therefore, the day of visiting this sanctuary and the rituals performed are called "susepen" (in translation "spraying water"). After this, the pilgrims go to Gamigaya to the place with rock images to the sounds of music and gather in one place. Special holiday dishes are prepared nearby, and the fun begins. Local residents from nearby villages and pilgrims with their families enjoy the view of alpine meadows, lakes, rivers, streams and fertile pastures. In this place, folk competitions of ashugs were organized, yalli dances were performed, and horseback riding competitions were held. Here, warring parties were reconciled, and young men, giving flowers, confessed their feelings to the girls they liked. Over time, the sanctuary became associated with the transition of people to summer pastures, and those who came to a new place of residence first visited this sanctuary, brought gifts and made a wish. According to popular legend, the holiday "susepen" and visiting Bibgetl is associated with Noah and the Great Flood. There is an opinion that Noah brought the first sacrificial gift here when leaving the ark. According to legend, Bibgetl is the name of Noah's eldest daughter (according to local residents).

Criterion (ii): An exceptionally distinctive feature of this complex (Gamigaya) is the time frame during which it was created. The people who lived there practically continuously left their artistic and creative vision of life on the stone and rock material for at least 3,000 years, i.e. from the 4th to the beginning of the 1st millennium BC [4]. Objective evidence of this historical process are the remains of circular buildings discovered nearby, dating back to the same time period.

Criterion (iii): The main element that determines the uniqueness of the Gamigaya complex is the composition of petroglyphs from different historical periods, from the Early Bronze Age to the Iron Age. Together with other archaeological components located on a unique natural landscape, they form a single cultural and natural complex. Research conducted on the territory of Gamigaya has revealed numerous rock images dating back to the Early Bronze Age, which provide rich information about the everyday life and perception of the world by the human communities that lived then.

At the same time, the rock art of Gamigaya illustrates the natural curiosity and ability of mankind to discover new areas and reflects its unique characteristic: the need to remember and record its experiences and knowledge.

Criterion (vi): The Gamigaya Cultural Landscape, with its combination of natural and anthropogenic traces, is an outstanding example of human settlement in the Bronze Age. The Gamigaya Cultural Landscape comes to life through the survival of customs and traditions that have been adapted to modern times.

Ancient myths and legends that exist in the vicinity of Gamigaya have preserved echoes of ideas about the connection between rock art and the cult of mountains. The rock art of Gamigaya has a direct and logical connection with the events, living traditions and worldviews of the people who lived in this area for more than 3,000 years. Gamigaya is the legendary name of one of the highest peaks of the Lesser Caucasus (Mount Gapydzhyg at an altitude of 3906 meters above sea level) and is located in the southwestern part of Azerbaijan in Nakhchivan in the Ordubad region. According to the existing stories of local residents, the remains of Noah's Ark have been preserved in the Ayy Chukhuru area of ​​Gamigaya. This is where the name Gamigaya (rock-ship) comes from.

The ancient sanctuary of Bibgetl, which is located near the rock images, also indicates that Gamigaya was an important place of worship. The mountains, which in the past protected the tribes inhabiting their surroundings, over time acquired the status of holy places. Even now, in July-August, local residents climb the mountain to the sanctuary of Bibgetl to perform the rite of "susepen". Gamigaya is a key area for the study of artistic means and types of artistic and ideological expression of human communities of the Eurasian continent, demonstrating a continental-generalizing palette of elements. Thus, in addition to the main characteristics of the site, another feature stands out: the cultural landscape of Gamigaya is a living landscape in which holidays and festivals are held annually, deeply rooted in the traditional society of which it is proud.

The themes of the rock paintings of Gamigaya, in particular, found artistic reflection in the ceramics discovered in Ovchular tepesi of the Sharur region (5th millennium BC) and in the Nakhchivan carpet group [11].

Criterion (vii): Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is located in the southeastern part of the Transcaucasus plateau, with an average altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level. The region is predominantly surrounded by the Zangazur and Daralayaz mountain ranges of the Lesser Caucasus, with its highest peak being Mount Gapichig at 3,904 meters. Approximately one-third of Nakhchivan's territory consists of plains along the Araz River, encompassing areas such as Sadarak, Sharur, Boyukduz, Kangarli, Nakhchivan, Julfa, and Ordubad. The region is also home to over 200 mineral springs, including Daridagh, Badamli, Sirab, and Vaykhir. Annual precipitation in the low-lying areas along the Araz River ranges from 200 to 300 mm, while in the high mountainous regions, it can reach 500 to 800 mm.

The Autonomous Republic is traversed by 400 rivers, spanning a combined length of 1,800 kilometers. Its climate is predominantly dry and continental. Nakhchivan is known for its diverse and abundant flora, with 2,782 species of higher plants and a rich variety of wildlife. Despite covering only 6.2% of Azerbaijan's total land area, Nakhchivan is home to 60% of the country’s plant species and 56% of its animal species. The region also contains 7 of the 11 global climate zones. Approximately 3,000 plant species, 373 types of animals, and 226 species of birds inhabit the area.

The climate of the autonomous republic is divided into 5 types.

1. The mild hot half desert and dry field climate of summer covers along the Araz lowlands and partly short mountainous areas (600-1400 m). The annual average temperature is 10-14ºC, the annual average precipitation is up to 300 mm, and possible evaporation is 1200-1400 mm.
2. The half desert and dry field climate of dry winter covers the above part of the lower mountainous zone and lower part of the middle mountainous zone (1100-1600 m). The annual average temperature is 8-10ºC, the annual average precipitation is 300-350 mm, and the possible evaporation is 800-1100 mm.
3. The cold half desert and dry field climate of dry summer covers the above part of the middle mountainous zone (1600-2600 m). The annual average temperature is 6-10ºC, and the annual average precipitation changes between 400-800 mm.
4. The cold climate of dry and cool summer only spread in the South-West slope of the Zangazur chain, in the central strip of the height mountainous zone of 2600-3200 m height. The annual average temperature is 1-3ºC.
5. The mountainous Tundura climate covers the height mountainous tops (over 3200 m) of the area. The annual average temperature is 3-8ºC.

The absolute minimum temperature is -31ºC (Darvishlar) in the region, but the absolute maximum temperature is +44ºC (Julfa); it is also minimum and maximum temperature in the territory of the Azerbaijan Republic. The annual average speed of wind is 2/4 m/s. The annual precipitation is 200-300 mm in the lowlands along the Araz river, but in the highest mountainous places it is 500-800 mm.

The rare flora and fauna of Nakhchivan are protected in several reserves, including the Ordubad State Reserve, Zangazur National Park, Shahbuz State Nature Reserve, and along the Araz State Nature Reserve. The flora is particularly rich compared to other botanical regions of Azerbaijan, with 2,782 species of higher plants, organized into 773 genera and 134 families. Of these, 68 species are cultivated, while the wild flora includes 123 families and 697 species. The plant distribution varies across different altitudes: 732 species are found in the lowlands along the Araz River, 1,326 in the middle mountainous zones, and 640 in the higher mountains. The vegetation includes desert and semi-desert plants, friganoid and bozgir species, high pastures, subalpine and alpine meadows, woodlands, riverbank forests, rock and deposit vegetation, and marsh plants.

In the rivers and lakes of the region, 29 species of bony fish have been identified, along with 6 species of amphibians and 19 species of reptiles. Nakhchivan is home to 218 bird species, out of the 366 found across Azerbaijan, and 61 species of mammals. Forty vertebrate species out of 350 recorded in the region have been included in the Red Book of endangered species.

The cultural and natural landscape of Gamigaya represents a remarkable example of the enduring relationship between humans and the natural environment, shaped through centuries of interaction. This area is home to a wealth of archaeological sites, preserved in harmony with its striking natural features. The landscape is distinguished by numerous springs, high-altitude rivers, and small lakes, which contribute to its exceptional beauty.

One of the most notable features of Gamigaya is Lake Goygol, a high-mountain freshwater lake of glacial origin, situated on the western slope of Gamigaya Peak at an altitude of 3,065 meters above sea level. Unlike many other high-altitude lakes, Goygol’s unique water temperature dynamics—cooler at the shore than in the center—are the result of intensive underground springs and the presence of snow along its shoreline. The lake boasts remarkable water clarity, with visibility reaching depths of 3 meters.

Despite the harsh alpine climate, the area surrounding Lake Goygol is unusually vibrant, creating a striking contrast in the natural landscape. Locals affectionately refer to the lake as "Four Seasons," as snow can be seen on one side while flowers bloom on the other. This unique natural phenomenon enhances the lake’s allure and contributes to its status as one of the many ecological gems of the Zangezur National Park.

It is important to emphasize that a portion of the ancient rock carvings in the region lies within the administrative boundaries of Zangezur National Park. Although these areas are divided by different administrative jurisdictions, they form a continuous and integrated historical, cultural, and natural complex. This interconnectedness suggests a need to consider both areas as a unified space, reflecting their shared heritage and ecological importance.

Zangezur National Park is home to a wide variety of rare and endemic species, many of which are of global conservation concern. The park is part of the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot, one of the world's 36 areas identified as critical for the preservation of biological diversity. The park supports species that are endangered or vulnerable, such as the Caucasian leopard, mouflon, bezoar goat, and brown bear, as well as numerous bird species like the vulture. The preservation of these species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity not just regionally, but globally, as they represent unique

The presence of such species highlights the critical role this ecosystem plays in preserving wildlife, some of which are under serious threat of extinction.

The region’s flora is equally remarkable, containing a range of rare and endemic plant species that further emphasize the ecological uniqueness of the area. Some of the standout plants include Pulsatilla (Pasque flower), the delicate and vibrant Florentine tulip, and the distinctive Prominent Flat-nosed Grass. Other important species include Pallas’s Flowerless Flower, Horned Cushion, Finger-shaped Gray Feather Grass, Kamnek, and the striking Zangezur Bellflower, alongside Stemless Flour Grass, Angular Bitter Flower, and the resilient Frost-resistant Bitter Flower. These plants not only contribute to the aesthetic beauty of the landscape but are also crucial components of the local ecosystem, supporting a variety of wildlife.

Moreover, the complex topography, with its high peaks, deep valleys, and rugged cliffs, contributes to the region's unique microclimates, which support the growth of such diverse species. This area is a living testament to the harmonious interaction between natural forces and human history, as evidenced by the petroglyphs and other archaeological remains scattered across the landscape. These carvings serve as a historical record of the ancient civilizations that once thrived here, highlighting the cultural significance of this landscape.

The flora and fauna, combined with the striking natural formations, make the Gamigaya and Zangezur National Park region a rare and precious site, both ecologically and historically. The need for its protection and recognition as a single, interconnected space becomes even more apparent when considering the vast cultural and environmental value this area holds, not just for Azerbaijan but for the broader global community.

Authenticity

The Gamigaya petroglyphs are scattered throughout its territory and have thousands of geographically marked locations. The natural beauty of the landscapes in which they are located determines their outstanding value from scientific and aesthetic points of view. Petroglyphs are one of the most important historical sources of this region. The Gamigaya rock images date back to the Early Bronze Age of the 4th-1st millennia BC. This place in the Caucasus with such a number of monuments as the remains of dwellings, petroglyphs, sanctuaries, burials and other objects related to different periods of the Bronze and Iron Ages is a unique archaeological complex that provides valuable information about ancient civilizations and their culture.

The Gamigaya petroglyphs are located in the Ordubad region of the Republic of Azerbaijan and are scattered on the slopes of Mount Gapydzhyg (3906 meters - part of the Zangezur Range of the Lesser Caucasus) at an altitude of about 3700 meters above sea level. They are located in such places as Gamigaya, Garangush, Nebi Yurdu, Jamyshelen and Gyz-Gyalin Chukhuru pastures. Gamigaya pasture is located in the central part of the Zangezur Range, which is the highest ridge of the Lesser Caucasus. The central part of the ridge consists of such peaks as Gazangoldag (3815.5 m), Deveboynu (3650.5 m), Gapydzhyk (3906 m) and others. Full-flowing mountain rivers such as Nesirvazchay and Paragachay receive their waters from numerous springs flowing from the foot of Gapydzhyk peak. The main route to the Gamigaya pasture goes from the village of Nesirvaz, but in 2016 a circular road was built from the village of Paragachay to Gyz-Gyalin Chukhur, from where one can reach the Garangush pasture and the territory of the Gamigaya State Historical and Artistic Reserve. The petroglyphs in the complex constitute a valuable monument of the most ancient culture. The unique archaeological and historical significance of these monuments, located in the protected area, lies in their ability to reveal important aspects of ancient cultures, their way of life, religious beliefs and social structures, as well as their role in understanding the processes of development of human society in the Caucasus over millennia. The natural beauty of the landscapes in which they are located determines their outstanding value from the scientific and aesthetic points of view. Petroglyphs constitute one of the most important historical sources of this region. It is obvious that the petroglyphs have unique content and context related to the settlements and the place. The natural beauty of the landscapes in which they are located determines their outstanding value from a scientific and aesthetic point of view. It is obvious that petroglyphs have a unique content and context related to settlements and place.They give each complex exceptional authenticity.

Gamigaya demonstrates a high level of authenticity. From a general point of view, the local archaeological landscape and its constituent archaeological monuments and petroglyphs remained in a satisfactory state of preservation. The geographical isolation of the site, the absence of modern highways and large economic enterprises on the site's territory also have a positive effect on the state of authenticity of its landscape. As a result, Gamigaya has preserved the historical authenticity of its cultural, natural and archaeological landscape as a manifestation of the tradition of rock art and its historical role as a cult center for local communities.

Integrity

The main element that demonstrates the integrity of Gamigaya is the composition of petroglyphs from different historical periods from the Early Bronze Age to the Iron Age. Together with other archaeological components, they form a single cultural complex. Research conducted in the territory of Gamigaya has shown numerous petroglyphs from different periods that provide information about the daily life and perception of the world by local communities.